Car Camping Packing List

Car camping removes the weight limit. Your sleeping system and gear can be heavier and bulkier than backpacking because you drive to the site instead of carrying everything. This list covers 2-3 night trips in established campgrounds with vehicle access. You'll have more comfort than backpacking, but you're not trying to haul luxury items that ruin the experience.

Sleep System

Weight matters less, but comfort becomes the priority.

Tent — Choose a capacity one size larger than you need. A 4-person tent (6-8 lbs) for two people gives you room for gear during rain without feeling cramped. Look for models with good ventilation to prevent condensation buildup overnight.
Sleeping bag — Match temperature rating to your destination. A 20-30°F bag works for most three-season camping and costs $150-300. Don't cheap out here; a cold night ruins the entire trip.
Sleeping pad — An inflatable pad (1.5-2 lbs) is worth the weight for comfort. Look for an R-value of 3-4 for three-season use. A pad with a built-in pump (like Therm-a-Rest models) saves setup time.
Pillow — A camping pillow (8-12 oz) or a stuffed stuff sack feels luxurious compared to backpacking. This small item dramatically improves sleep quality and costs $20-40.

Clothing

Pack more variety since vehicle space isn't precious.

Base layers — Two sets of merino wool or synthetic. You can actually do laundry between trips, so bring multiple changes.
Insulating layer — A fleece or puffy jacket (12-16 oz). Layer this over base layers during cool evenings around the fire.
Rain jacket and pants — A hardshell jacket (4-6 oz) and waterproof pants for unexpected weather. Even car camping gets rained out.
Comfortable camp shirt — Wear something you don't mind getting dirty. A button-up shirt or lightweight long-sleeve works for sun protection and lounging.
Shorts and pants — Two pairs total. One for hiking, one for camp. Jeans are acceptable for car camping since you're not carrying them.
Warm hat, gloves, and socks — Three to four pairs of socks. Night temperature drops are real. A beanie and gloves handle mornings and evenings.
Camp shoes — Slip-on shoes or sandals for around camp. Your feet will thank you after a day in hiking boots.

Cooking and Food

Car camping gives you room for proper meals instead of dehydrated packets.

Camp stove — A two-burner propane stove (8-12 lbs) lets you cook real food. Coleman and Ozark Trail models run $30-60. Butane canister stoves work but propane is more reliable in cold weather.
Cookware — A large pot, frying pan, and Dutch oven (cast iron weighs 5-8 lbs per piece). You can actually bake bread or roast vegetables at camp.
Cooler — A 50-70 quart cooler keeps food safe for 3+ days with ice. Yeti or similar quality models ($200-300) outlast cheaper options. Fill it before you leave town.
Utensils and dishes — Real plates and bowls instead of camp-only lightweight gear. Bring at least four of each for flexibility.
Food — Bring actual groceries. Hamburger meat, fresh vegetables, eggs, cheese, and bread make better meals than dehydrated packets. Car camping budget should account for $15-20 per person daily on food.
Grill grate or camp oven — Optional but rewarding. A $15 grill grate sits over coals or flames for direct cooking. Cast iron cookware handles open flame better than modern nonstick.

Comfort and Campsite

Camping chairs — Two to four chairs. A good camp chair ($30-80) gets used more than any other gear. Your back will ache without one.
Lighting — A rechargeable lantern (1-2 lbs) works better than a headlamp for group camping. Bring extra batteries or a power bank.
Table — A folding camp table (5-10 lbs) keeps food and cooking off the ground. Some attach to your vehicle, others stand alone.
Campfire supplies — Firewood, kindling, and a fire starter. Bring more than you think you need. Check if your campground allows fires before packing.
Tarps or shade cloth — A 10x10 pop-up canopy (6-8 lbs) handles unexpected sun or drizzle. Beats sitting in your car waiting out bad weather.

Navigation and Safety

Map and directions — Download offline maps on your phone. Get physical maps at the ranger station or print them. Don't rely entirely on cell service.
First aid kit — Bring a full kit, not a minimalist one. Bandages, athletic tape, pain relievers, blister treatment, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, and medical gloves. Budget $25-40.
Headlamp and flashlight — A rechargeable headlamp plus a backup flashlight. Bring extra batteries. Camp gets dark fast.
Emergency supplies — Extra water, a blanket, and a whistle. These weigh almost nothing and save lives if your car breaks down on remote roads.

Hygiene and Cleaning

Toiletries — Bring everything you use at home. Shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and washcloths. Campgrounds often lack running water everywhere, so bring a washbasin.
Towels — Bring towels instead of camp-specific stuff. A regular bath towel (8-12 oz) dries better and feels luxurious.
Dish washing supplies — Biodegradable soap, a scrubbing brush, and a drying rack. Dirty dishes left overnight attract bears and insects.
Trash bags — Pack out all your garbage. Bring heavy-duty bags and tie them securely in your vehicle, not at camp.

Often Forgotten Items

These small things make huge differences at camp.

Sunscreen and insect repellent — Non-negotiable for daytime and dusk
Prescription medications and a pain reliever supply
A power bank for phones or the lantern
Duct tape and a small repair kit for gear failures
Ziplock bags in multiple sizes for wet gear and food storage
A notebook and pen for logging hikes, observations, or campfire thoughts

Leave at Home

Common overpacking mistakes for car camping.

Half your wardrobe — Bring six outfits maximum. You'll repeat combinations.
Electronics you don't need — A phone and portable speaker are enough. Skip the tablet, laptop, or gaming system.
Multiple cooking devices — Pick a stove or campfire, not both. Two systems create confusion and clutter.
Specialty camping gear you've never used — Test gear at home first. Camp isn't the place to figure out that fancy water filter you bought.